¡Hola amigos! This week, Mexico rolls out a Maíz–Tortilla Agreement to keep prices down, Vietnam lashes back over a steel mill delisting, and a fresh 50% U.S. tariff hits Mexican appliances starting June 23.

Also in the mix: When you need an apostille to handle official docs in Mexico, plus the seasonal berry that tastes like a wild cactus had a baby with a blueberry (hola, garambullo).

And one more thing – you might notice the newsletter got a little glow-up. We’ve added a brand-new trivia section to test your Mexico know-how. Plus, a big gracias to a longtime reader whose note on respectful language is helping shape how we do our Say It in Spanish tips.

We’ve got a lot to cover – so pour yourself a cafecito and let’s dive in.

❓Mexico Triva

Which 19th-century Mexican leader’s body was embalmed and displayed for several months after his death?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.

📣 Que Paso

📉 Mexico launched the Maíz–Tortilla Agreement to gradually cut tortilla prices. 5% starting now and 10% by 2030 via subsidized corn, flour discounts, and MX$500M in credits for tortillerías.

🧊 Starting June 23, the U.S. will apply a new 50% tariff on Mexican appliances like washers, dryers, stoves, and fridges. This tariff comes on top of existing 50% duties on steel, aluminum, and related parts. 

⚖️ Mexico has closed its antitrust case against Google that began in 2020, finding no proof the tech giant abused its dominance in search or digital ads.

🇻🇳 Vietnam is not happy with Mexico after the government delisted all Vietnamese steel mills, which halted imports. This has sparked a trade spat as both countries mark 55 years of diplomatic ties.

✈️ President Shienbaum is at the G7 and the internet sure has a lot to say about her flying coach to Canada.

🌧️ Tropical Storm Dalila slammed Guerrero on Sunday, bringing up to 6 inches of rain that flooded homes, collapsed roads, and triggered landslides in Acapulco.

🍎 Your Health Pulse

Don’t Let What You Don’t Know Cost You Thousands

With international health insurance, it's rarely the risks you're aware of that cause problems – it's the surprises you never saw coming.

This often happens because people aren't aware of just how differently international health insurance works in Mexico.

Whether you're looking for insurance or already have it, there are specific details you need to understand to keep yourself – and your family – protected.

That’s why we’re hosting a free live workshop to break down the key differences that catch people off guard and show you exactly how to avoid the most costly mistakes.

Here’s what we’ll cover…

• Why having insurance doesn’t guarantee coverage (even if you have a great policy)

• What you must know about the reimbursement model (and how to minimize out-of-pocket expenses)

• Exclusions hiding in your policy that can cost you when you need treatment (and why understanding the fine print is so important)

• Where you can and can't receive treatment in Mexico (and how to avoid blacklisted hospitals that leave you paying out-of-pocket)

• Why, even with insurance, you need cash on the sidelines to be treated

Register for either our session tonight at 6 pm or Thursday, June 19 at 10 am CDMX time.

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

Join for free today!

🏠 Real Estate Roundup 

Buying Property in Mexico? Always Verify Before You Sign

Before you fall in love with that dreamy beach home or hillside casita, make sure you verify that the property is legally sound.

In Mexico, title issues, paperwork gaps, and zoning surprises aren’t uncommon…and they can cost you time, money, and your future peace of mind.

Start by confirming the seller holds the Escritura Pública (official deed) with a notary’s signature, registration folio, and sequential number. Then request a Certificate of No Liens (issued directly from the Public Registry) to ensure the property is debt free.

Never rely on seller-supplied copies.

Check that property taxes have been paid for the past 5 years, and make sure water, electricity, and HOA dues are current (if applicable). For coastal properties, you’ll need a fideicomiso (bank trust) if buying within 50 km of the beach or 100 km of a border.

Review all construction paperwork such as permits, occupancy documents, square footage filings, and environmental permits, especially in coastal or protected zones.

Then trace the title history back at least 10 years to uncover gaps, inheritance issues, or power-of-attorney problems. This often reveals title breaks that current documents don’t.

If something feels off – like ejido land, a super low price, or a rushed sale – it probably is. Red flags include missing documents, unclear ownership, or recent title transfers.

Buying in Mexico can be incredibly rewarding, but only when done right. An independent real estate lawyer and notario are your best allies.

Want to go deeper? Check out this report on the top risks of buying real estate in Mexico in 2025.

📍Immigration Essentials

What’s an Apostille and When Do You Need One in Mexico?

If you’re applying for residency, getting married, or dealing with legal matters in Mexico, you may need to provide foreign-issued documents, such as birth or marriage certificates.

But unless they’re apostilled, Mexican authorities may reject them.

An apostille is an international certification that proves your document is valid and legally recognized in Mexico. It must be issued by a designated authority in the same country where the document originated – not in Mexico.

Common documents that need an apostille include:

• Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates

• Academic diplomas

• Company incorporation papers

If your apostilled documents aren’t in Spanish, they must be translated by a certified translator in Mexico.

Countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention include the U.S., Canada, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and Japan. You can find the full list here.

If your documents were issued in a country not on that list, you’ll need to go through a different legalization process. Check with your consulate for guidance.

Skip the apostille, and your application could be delayed or denied. Always check requirements with your local immigration office or Mexican consulate.

🇲🇽 Viva México

June 19, 1867: The Execution of Mexico’s Last Emperor

This week in history marks a defining moment in Mexico’s fight to reclaim its sovereignty: The execution of Emperor Maximilian I on June 19, 1867 – an event that symbolized the collapse of foreign imperialism and the triumph of republican ideals.

Maximilian was an Austrian archduke, botanist, and butterfly enthusiast who once ruled the navy and dreamed of bringing enlightened monarchy to the Americas. 

In 1864, he was convinced by Mexican conservatives – and backed by Napoleon III – to accept the Mexican crown. But the “popular support” he was promised was fiction. Benito Juárez was still president, and most Mexicans opposed foreign rule.

Still, Maximilian arrived in Veracruz wearing charro attire, ready to rule.

He established court at Chapultepec Castle, imported Viennese manners, and pushed a surprisingly liberal agenda: Land reform, Indigenous rights, and limits on Church power.

These reforms alienated the conservatives who had brought him, while liberals saw him as an illegitimate occupier.

After the U.S. Civil War ended, American pressure forced France to withdraw troops. Carlota, Maximilian’s wife, left for Europe to plead for support and suffered a mental breakdown. Maximilian, refusing to abdicate, made a final stand in Querétaro in early 1867.

There, he and his remaining troops endured a 72-day siege, surrounded by Republican forces under General Mariano Escobedo.

Food and morale ran low. Then, in a dramatic betrayal, one of Maximilian’s officers opened the city gates – sealing his fate.

Maximilian was court-martialed and sentenced to death. Despite international appeals for mercy, Juárez stood firm. Too many lives had been lost defending the republic.

At dawn on June 19, Maximilian faced the firing squad. 

Maximilian’s final words, as recorded by eyewitnesses and documented in historical accounts, were: "Mexicanos, muero inocente de un crimen; perdono a todos, y pido a todos que me perdonen. Que mi sangre sea la última que se derrame por el bien del país... ¡Viva México!"

(“Mexicans, I die innocent of a crime; I forgive everyone, and I ask everyone to forgive me. May my blood be the last to be shed for the good of the country...Long live Mexico!”)

Today, the site of his execution, Cerro de las Campanas, stands as a quiet reminder: Mexico’s sovereignty wasn’t handed to it – it was won.

Travel Tip: You can visit Cerro de las Campanas, the very hill where Maximilian fell. It’s now a peaceful national park with a small museum and chapel. Just 10 minutes from Querétaro’s historic center by taxi or rideshare.

🪷 Viva Wellness

Move Over Blueberries: Meet Garambullo

Tiny but mighty, garambullo is a deep-purple berry that grows wild on cactus in central and northern Mexico, especially in Guanajuato, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí. 

Though it looks like a blueberry, garambullo brings a uniquely Mexican blend of nutrients and wellness benefits. 

It tastes sweet and tart. If a blueberry and a cranberry had a wild cactus baby, that’d be a garambullo. 

The juicy purple pulp can stain your tongue a deep red, thanks to natural pigments called betalains. Alongside anthocyanins and flavonoids, these powerful antioxidants help support cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and promote overall vitality.

A single handful of berries is loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and iron…nutrients essential for glowing skin, strong bones, and healthy aging. Garambullo also has minerals like potassium, zinc, and magnesium that support everything from cardiovascular function to oxygen transport and sustained energy levels. 

Garambullo holds a special place in traditional Mexican food culture. Indigenous communities, especially the Otomí and Hñähñum, have used the berries (and the flowers), in recipes passed down for generations.

Mexican healers use garambullo to soothe the digestive system, support healthy blood sugar levels, and naturally aid liver and kidney function. Externally, the soft pulp can be dabbed onto cuts and scrapes due to its mild antiseptic and soothing properties. 

Keep an eye out for Garambullo in mercados in June and July. Enjoy them fresh, in hearty salsas, jams, ice cream, and even tepache de garambullo. 

For what it’s worth…we’ve tried garambullo syrup drizzled over cheesecake, and it’s heavenly. 

🎉 Vamos! Events

🪶 Feria de Corpus Christi – June 14–22, Papantla, Veracruz 
Part Catholic celebration, part Totonac cultural explosion, this vibrant annual fair transforms Papantla into a nine-day fiesta of ritual, music, and mouthwatering food. Expect the iconic Voladores de Papantla soaring skyward, artisan markets, and a full-blown Festival del Mole for the foodies. Oh, and there’s a Lucha Libre showdown midweek. More info here.

🎡 Feria de San Pedro Garza García – June 20–August 10, Nuevo León 
Monterrey’s most upscale suburb is throwing a month-long party — and everyone’s invited. From thrill rides and artisan markets to gourmet food trucks. Expect family-friendly fun. More info here.

🎬 Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF) – July 25–Aug 3, León, Irapuato & San Miguel de Allende 
One of Mexico’s most dynamic film festivals returns for its 28th edition, transforming Guanajuato into a cinematic playground. Expect over 400 screenings, including horror films shown in cemeteries and tunnels, free public screenings, red carpet events, and workshops. More info here.

🎉 Latin American Pride 2025 – June 26–30, CDMX
Get ready for five days of nonstop celebration as Latin American Pride lights up CDMX with massive circuit parties, international DJs, and a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. Organized by Jubileo, this fifth edition features four main events and two after-parties, including the return of Israeli DJ Sagi Kariv. From drag shows to diverse musical styles, it's a can't-miss event for the community and allies alike. More info here. 

🎭 Carnaval de Veracruz 2025 – June 26–July 2, Veracruz
The “World’s Happiest Carnival” celebrates its 101st edition with a week of parades, music, and vibrant festivities. Kicking off with the traditional “Quema del Mal Humor” on June 26 and concluding with the symbolic “Entierro de Juan Carnaval” on July 2, the event features colorful floats, lively comparsas, and free concerts at the Macroplaza del Malecón. More info here.

🎨 TlaquepArte Monterrey – June 27–30, Cintermex, Monterrey
This international expo brings together over 250 artisans from Mexico and 16 countries, showcasing handcrafted jewelry, textiles, home décor, and gourmet treats. Wander through 190+ booths filled with treasures like Turkish lamps, Colombian coffee, and embroidered garments. It's a vibrant celebration of global craftsmanship right in the heart of Monterrey. More info here.

🏃‍♂️ BMW Maratón Internacional Tangamanga – June 29, San Luis Potosí
Lace up for one of Mexico’s most scenic and historic races. Now in its 39th year, the Tangamanga Marathon offers 10K, 21K, and 42K routes through the lush Parque Tangamanga and the city’s colonial heart. Expect cool morning temps, a flat AIMS-certified course, and a festive finish line vibe. Registration closes June 28. More info here. More info here.

🎉 Disney On Ice: ¡Bailemos! – July 2–13, Auditorio Nacional, CDMX
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy take center ice as your DJ hosts in this high-energy Disney On Ice spectacular. Featuring scenes from The Little Mermaid, Moana, Wish, and Frozen 2, the show blends classic Disney magic with dazzling skating and special effects. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.

💡 Say It in Spanish

Why Usted Matters: A Lesson in Respect

This week, we’re doing things a little differently.

One of our longtime readers Victoria, who’s been living in Mexico for 33 years, wrote to us with a powerful message about respect, language, and cultural integration. 

And we just had to share it with all of you.

Her words deeply moved us, and starting next week, Say It in Spanish will now include both formal (usted) and informal (tú) versions of phrases because, as guests in this beautiful country, showing respect matters.

Here’s what Victoria shared:

I feel strongly about the use of tú instead of usted. I have been in Mexico 33 years. I learned tú was informal and usted was formal. As most gringos feel, I always wanted to come off friendly vs formal. Over the years there were a couple of hints. My neighbor once brought her sister to meet me. Just out of earshot, she said, “She will say tú, but she doesn't mean anything bad by it.” 

Over the years, I stubbornly stuck with my informal and ignored that I was always responding in the more informal version. I ignored all the hints to the contrary.

Last year a friend (Mexican/American) posted that those of us who use the informal are treating people as if they were 5-year-olds! That was when I changed a 30+ year habit. I now feel full of respect for others.

I'm hoping this letter will help you to change. Your recent Spanish lesson is an example. Not knowing who will do the “mandado,” the formal usted is a preferable use.

It is not so much formal as respectful.

There might be an exception in beach cities. I live in the Colonial highlands. The Spanish schools do a disservice to their students. Thanks for your attention to this.

Victoria, gracias from the bottom of our hearts. You’ve reminded us that Spanish is more than vocabulary –  it’s connection, context, and cultural awareness. 

 🎯 Mexico Trivia Answer

After his execution, Emperor Maximilian’s body was embalmed and briefly displayed in Querétaro and in Mexico City as a symbol of the republic’s victory over his foreign-backed empire. After months of negotiations, his remains were sent back to Austria aboard the ship Novara, arriving in 1868 for burial in Vienna’s Imperial Crypt.

Click here to see the photo.

Why El Expat Insider Mexico? Life abroad isn’t just about relocating — it’s about reinventing. Every sunrise in Mexico brings new opportunities to explore, learn, and connect. Whether you’re here for a season or a lifetime, we’re your compass for making the most of every moment. Because life’s too short to live on autopilot.

Want to reach globally minded readers living in Mexico? Email us at [email protected] to chat about partnership opportunities.

Not Yet a Subscriber? Click Below to Get Our Newsletter Every Week — It’s FREE!